Far From the Maddening Crowd - Thomas Hardy

The Arrival of a Movie based on one of the novels that one hasn't  read, ( but has at least been   in the outskirts of one's Reading Lists,) is a good opportunity to Read the Book in question. This has happened to me at least on Three Occasions before, including One in which the Movie in Question was never watched.  So what's number Four ? Thomas Hardy's Classic from the 1870's, Far from the Maddening Crowd, one Victorian Author, whom I have somehow  missed. So, now that I've read the Book and watched the Movie subsequently, this write-up will possibly carry some comparison between the Two.

The Photographic detail that the book carries in the initial stages,before the story starts to take shape is indeed to be savoured and enjoyed. The Movie too tries to capitalise on this aspect with some beautiful scenery, captured by some brilliant camera work at this initial stage. How is this for kick-starting the imagination, about the environs described? 

"To persons standing alone on a hill during a clear midnight such as this, the roll of the world eastward is almost a palpable movement. The sensation may be caused by the panoramic glide of the stars past earthly objects, which is perceptible in a few minutes of stillness, or by the better outlook upon space that a hill affords, or by the wind, or by the solitude; but whatever be its origin the impression of riding along is vivid and abiding. The poetry of motion is a phrase much in use, and to enjoy the epic form of that gratification it is necessary to stand on a hill at a small hour of the night, and, having first expanded with a sense of difference from the mass of civilized mankind, who are dreamwrapt and disregardful of all such proceedings at this time, long and quietly watch your stately progress through the stars. After such a nocturnal reconnoitre it is hard to get back to earth, and to believe that the consciousness of such majestic speeding is derived from a tiny human frame.”

As the novel unfolds, Hardy appears to present the Question of  what was deemed as Proper Conduct for a Maiden in Victorian Times, against the concept of independence in a Woman. And I felt, until, Bathsheba was considered a Widow, the author poses the question whether Bathsheba was culpable to what can be termed as common vices, which could be considered harmless in a girl. Yet, for airs, coquetry and conceit she proves that the woman in her takes over, against her own good. In Hardy's work, Bathsheba is a fascinating work of a woman - unpredictable, full of airs, so much so that she can compete with Troy in unpredictability. She is the main character, and Oak, the ultimate hero,  is largely a keen observer of her actions and adventures. 

"Bathsheba, though she had too much understanding to be entirely governed by her womanliness, had too much womanliness to use her understanding to the best advantage. Perhaps in no minor point does woman astonish her helpmate more than in the strange power she possesses of believing cajoleries that she knows to be false—except, indeed, in that of being utterly sceptical on strictures that she knows to be true.

Yet, in the movie,I felt for all the decent role played by Carey Mulligan as Bathsheba, that the most impression in acting was made by Michael Sheen, playing the role of the unfortunate older Bachelor, Boldwood. I would like,especially those who have read the book as well as watched the movie, to contest me in this regard.

 Coming back to the novel, Hardy has painted the picture of rural Wessex, with its' sheep farming, harvesting and  simple good-hearted  peasantry with so much finesse, detail and a sense of unhurriedness, that at times the book is a good yarn to wind down to - before the more serious incidents take place that is. If I am to point out a short coming, it would be the fact that there are no characters with a malign streak in them. Even Troy, for all his ways, is painted a noticeable shade darker in the movie, than in the book. Even Bathsheba's ex-bailiff seems to wait patiently till he wins her favour, rather than react with any vengeance.

In summary the book is an enjoyable read where Classics go, and there is a slight similarity in style with Dickens, although Hardy appears to put more effort in presenting his characters more complete than Dickens did. However Dickens has tangible villains, whereas one is unsure whether Troy is to be condoned or condemned, till the end.The movie, too is quite a rewarding watch, and compliments the Book in every which way, although one does feels that it is a tad too short, albeit it's running time of nearly  two hours.